Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics Private Limited

Background

Founded in 1983 as Hi-Rel Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics Private Limited has evolved into a leading manufacturer of power electronics products. In 2015, it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., aligning with Hitachi's mission to contribute to society through the development of superior, original technology and products. The company's primary focus is on delivering innovative and reliable power electronics solutions, including Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), Grid-Tied Solar Inverters, Air Compressors, and Railway Inverters. These products serve critical applications across various industries, such as refineries, petrochemicals, power generation, steel and metals, and process industries. Hitachi Hi-Rel is recognized for its significant contributions to the power electronics sector, emphasizing energy efficiency and technological advancement.

Key Strategic Focus

Hitachi Hi-Rel's strategic objectives center on providing customized power electronics solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reliability for its clients. The company specializes in:

Industrial UPS Systems: Ensuring uninterrupted power supply for mission-critical operations.

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Offering energy-efficient process control solutions.

Grid-Tied Solar Inverters: Facilitating renewable energy integration with over 3 GW+ installations in India.

Air Compressors: Providing optimized compressed air solutions through advanced compressor technology.

Railway Inverters: Supplying reliable power solutions for railway applications.

The company leverages cutting-edge technologies and a robust manufacturing infrastructure to cater to the evolving needs of industries requiring high reliability and energy efficiency.

Financials and Funding

As a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Hi-Rel benefits from the financial strength and strategic support of its parent company. In the fiscal year 2020, the company reported revenues of ₹3.6 billion. The acquisition by Hitachi in 2015 was a strategic move to strengthen Hitachi's power electronics business in India, aiming to generate revenues of around ₹8 billion by the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016.

Pipeline Development

Hitachi Hi-Rel continues to innovate and expand its product offerings. Recent developments include:

HIVERTER-NP215i Series: Launched in 2021, this 2.5 MW (1500 VDC) Solar Central Outdoor Inverter enhances the company's renewable energy solutions.

HIVERTER Si Series: Introduced in 2019, this Grid-Tied String Inverter caters to diverse solar power applications.

These advancements reflect the company's commitment to addressing the growing demand for sustainable and efficient power solutions.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Hitachi Hi-Rel's technological prowess is evident in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and research and development capabilities:

Manufacturing Facilities: The Sanand facility in Gujarat, modeled after Hitachi's Omika Works in Japan, spans 26,000 square meters and is equipped with advanced engineering and manufacturing tools. An additional facility in Gandhinagar covers 5,000 square meters, further supporting production capabilities.

Research and Development: The in-house R&D center focuses on continuous product innovation, enabling the development of industry-standard products tailored to customer needs.

These facilities underscore the company's dedication to quality, innovation, and meeting the dynamic requirements of the power electronics market.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at Hitachi Hi-Rel comprises experienced professionals committed to driving the company's strategic vision and operational excellence. While specific details about the current executive team are not publicly disclosed, the company's management is known for its expertise in the power electronics industry and its focus on delivering high-quality products and services.

Leadership Changes

In 2015, Hitachi, Ltd. acquired 100% stake in Hitachi Hi-Rel Power Electronics, transitioning it into a wholly owned subsidiary. This strategic move aimed to strengthen Hitachi's power electronics business in India and expand its product lineup.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The power electronics market is characterized by rapid technological advancements and increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions. Key trends include the integration of renewable energy sources, the adoption of smart grid technologies, and the emphasis on reducing carbon footprints across industries.

Competitor Analysis

Hitachi Hi-Rel operates in a competitive landscape with several notable players:

ABB: A global leader in power and automation technologies, offering a wide range of power electronics products.

Schneider Electric: Specializes in energy management and automation solutions, including UPS systems and drives.

Siemens: Provides comprehensive power electronics solutions with a focus on industrial applications.

Mitsubishi Electric: Offers a diverse portfolio of power electronics products, including inverters and UPS systems.

These competitors emphasize innovation, reliability, and energy efficiency, similar to Hitachi Hi-Rel's strategic focus.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Hitachi Hi-Rel has engaged in several strategic alliances to enhance its market position:

Technical and Financial Collaboration with Cyberex Inc. (1989): Focused on UPS systems to strengthen product offerings.

Alliance with Vacon of Finland (2001): Established for low voltage drive solutions, expanding the company's product range.

Marketing Alliance with Hitec of Holland (2007): Introduced Diesel Rotary UPS (DRUPS) systems to the market.

These partnerships have been instrumental in diversifying the company's product portfolio and enhancing technological capabilities.

Operational Insights

Hitachi Hi-Rel's strategic considerations include:

Manufacturing Excellence: Utilizing advanced facilities to ensure high-quality production standards.

Customer-Centric Approach: Offering customized solutions tailored to specific industry requirements.

Global Reach: Expanding sales and service networks to cater to international markets, including South East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Brazil.

These factors contribute to the company's competitive advantages in the power electronics sector.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Hitachi Hi-Rel aims to:

Expand Renewable Energy Solutions: Enhance offerings in solar inverters and related technologies to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy.